Automated toilet seat system with quick disconnect cable

ABSTRACT

Aspects of the invention are directed to an automated sanitary toilet seat system with a quick connect/disconnect cable. The system includes a sanitary toilet seat assembly having a toilet seat with a first end and a second end, a tubular sheet adapted to be conveyed from the first end to a take-up shaft proximate the second end, and a motor for operatively driving the take-up shaft to advance the tubular plastic in a travel direction. The system also includes a first electrical cable coupled at one end to the toilet seat assembly. A first connector is provided on the other end of the first cable. The system further includes a second electrical cable connected at one end to a power source and providing a second connector at the opposite end. The first and second connectors are detachably coupled so that the toilet seat assembly can be operatively connected to the power source while facilitating rapid disconnection of the toilet seat assembly for maintenance or replacement.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No.11/123,523, filed May 6, 2005, which are incorporated herein byreference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates in general to toilets and, more particularly, toautomated toilet seat systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A variety of automated toilet devices are known. For instance, U.S. Pat.No. 5,937,448 is directed to an electro-mechanical assembly foradvancing a tubular protective covering around a toilet seat. Thecovering is stored on a reel, and pulled off from the reel as it isreplaced, and the used covering is taken up on a second reel. Anactivation button can be depressed to actuate a switch assembly which,in turn, actuates a drive mechanism. By actuating the drive mechanism,the cover is moved through a predetermined distance in such a mannerthat when it is in the mounted position, the toilet seat body iscompletely surrounded by the tubular cover. An upper housing portion hasan integral pressure blade for exerting a constant downward force on theadvancing protective covering. The pressure ensures adequate contactbetween the covering and a counter shaft assembly which communicatesmagnetically with internal electronic circuitry.

The electronic portion of the automatic toilet seat system isoperatively connected to receive energy from a power source. In oneprior system, which is shown in FIG. 1, a toilet 300 with an automatictoilet seat system 302 is operatively connected directly to a powersource 305 by a cable 310. Due to health and safety concerns of alavatory environment, the power source 305 is located remote from theimmediate area of the toilet 300. For instance, the power source 305 canbe located above the ceiling 315. Further, to minimize the exposure ofthe cable 310 to the lavatory environment, a substantial portion of thelength of the cable 310 is routed behind a wall 320 proximate the toilet300.

The cable 310 is continuous between the power source 305 and theautomatic toilet seat system 302. When it is in need of service, theautomated toilet seat system 302 can be disconnected from the cable 310.However, the cable 310 cannot simply be disconnected at the automatedtoilet seat system 302 because the unconnected end of the cable 310 cancreate potential fire and safety hazards. Further, safety concernsregarding potential water and moisture intrusion have prevented priorart systems from incorporating a junction for disconnecting a cabledirectly from the toilet or a junction in the immediate vicinity of thetoilet. Instead, the cable 310 must be disconnected from the powersource 305, but the disconnection process can be a labor intensive andtime consuming because of the inconvenient location of the power source305. Likewise, the process of reconnecting the cable 310 to the powersource 305 can be equally involved. Thus, there is a need for a systemthat can facilitate the rapid disconnection and connection of anautomated toilet device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Aspects of the invention are directed to an automated toilet seat systemadapted for quick connection and disconnection from a power source. Anautomated toilet seat system is provided and can include a sanitarytoilet seat assembly having a toilet seat with a first end and a secondend, a tubular sheet adapted to be conveyed from the first end to atake-up shaft proximate the second end, and a motor for operativelydriving the take-up shaft to advance the tubular plastic in a traveldirection. The system further can include a first electrical cableincluding at least one conductor, the first cable having opposing ends,the first cable being operatively connected at one end to the toiletseat assembly, where the opposite end of the first cable provides afirst connector. Also, the system can include a second electrical cableincluding at least one conductor, the second cable having opposing ends,one end of the second cable provides a second connector adapted fordetachable coupling with the first connector, the opposite end of thesecond cable being operatively connected to a power source.

In one arrangement, the system can include a reinforced seal at theinterface of the first and second connectors, where the seal covers aportion of the first cable and the first connector. Also, the reinforcedseal can be located at the junction of the second cable and the secondconnector, where the seal covers a portion of the second cable and thesecond connector. Further, the first connector can include at least onemale prong and at least one female receptacle. The second connector caninclude at least one male prong and at least one female receptacle,whereby the female recess receives the insertion of the male prong fordetachably coupling the first connector to second connector.

In another arrangement, the first connector and the second connector caninclude an elliptically shaped base from which the male prong extends.Also, the female recess can be housed in a cylindrical body thatprojects from the base. A wall mounted sensor communicably coupled tothe toilet seat assembly via the second and first cables may also beprovided. Additionally, the power source can be located remote from thetoilet and separated from the toilet by a physical barrier, where thesecond cable passes from the power source through the barrier. Theinterface of the second connector to the first connector can be at leastpartially separated from the power source by the barrier. The barriermay be selected from the group consisting of a wall, ceiling, and acombination thereof. Also, a transformer operatively connected betweenthe power source and the opposite end of the second cable may beprovided.

A detachable connector for a sanitary toilet seat assembly is alsoprovided in accordance with aspects of the invention. The detachableconnector can include a sanitary toilet seat assembly having a toiletseat with a first end and a second end, a tubular sheet adapted to beconveyed from the first end to a take-up shaft proximate the second end,and a motor for operatively driving the take-up shaft to advance thetubular plastic in a travel direction. Also, the detachable connectorcan include an electrical cable coupled to the toilet seat assemblywhere the cable can terminate with a first connector for detachablycoupling with a second connector. A reinforced seal at the meeting ofthe cable and the first connector can also be provided, where the sealcovers a portion of the cable and the first connector.

In another arrangement, the first detachable connector can include atleast one male prong and at least one female recess, whereby the maleprong inserts in a female recess of the second connector and the femalerecess receives the insertion of a male prong of the second connector.Further, the connector can include an elliptically shaped base fromwhich the male prong extends. Also, the female recess can be housed in acylindrical body that projects from the base and a conductor can behoused within the first cable for communicating with a wall mountedsensor.

A method of providing maintenance to an automated sanitary toilet seatassembly is also provided in accordance with the inventive aspects. Themethod can include providing a powered sanitary toilet seat assemblywith an electrical cable coupled to the toilet seat assembly and havinga first connector detachable coupled with a second connector, decouplingthe first connector from the second connector, and providing maintenanceto the sanitary toilet seat. The method can also include removing thesanitary toilet seat to a geographically remote location for providingmaintenance. Still further, the method can include providing areplacement sanitary toilet seat during maintenance.

Also in accordance with the inventive aspects, an automated toiletsystem is provided. The system can include an electrically poweredtoilet device and a first electrical cable including at least oneconductor, the first cable having opposing ends, the first cable beingoperatively connected at one end to the toilet device, where theopposite end of the first cable provides a first connector. Further, asecond electrical cable can include at least one conductor, the secondcable having opposing ends, one end of the second cable provides asecond connector adapted to substantially matingly engage with the firstconnector, whereby the first and second cables are electricallyconnected, the opposite end of the second cable being operativelyconnected to a power source.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a lavatory with a known automatictoilet seat system.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an automated toiletseat system with a quick disconnect cable according to aspects of theinvention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an automated toiletseat assembly with a quick disconnect cable according to aspects of theinvention, wherein the automated toilet seat assembly is shown in thedisconnected condition.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a quick disconnectinterface according to aspects of the invention.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a toilet seat assembly according toaspects of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the take-up region of the toilet seatassembly according to aspects of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a partial bottom view of a toilet seat having structuralsupport ribs according to aspects of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the inside surface of a top cover of theassembly according to aspects of the invention.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart of a method of providing maintenance to anautomated toilet seat system with a quick disconnect cable according toaspects of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Aspects of the invention are directed to an automated toilet seat systemadapted for quick connection and disconnection from a power source.Embodiments of the invention will be explained in connection with onepossible system, but the detailed description is intended only asexemplary. Embodiments of the invention are shown in FIGS. 2-9, but thepresent invention is not limited to the illustrated structure orapplication.

FIG. 2 illustrates an automated sanitary toilet seat system adapted forquick connection and disconnection according to aspects of theinvention. The system 100 includes an automated toilet seat assembly110, a first electrical cable 115 a and a second electrical cable 115 b.Each of the first and second electrical cables 115 a, 115 b can includeone or more electrical conductors 123 (FIG. 4). The first electricalcable 115 a can have a first end 116 and a second end 117. The first end116 of the first electrical cable 115 a can be adapted for connection tothe toilet seat assembly 110. The second end 117 of the first electricalcable 115 a can provide a first connector 120 a.

Similarly, the second electrical cable 115 b can have a first end 118and a second end 119. The first end 118 of the second cable 115 b canprovide a second connector 120 b for operative connection with the firstconnector 120 a. The second end 119 of the second cable 115 b can beadapted for operative connection to a power source 125. The second cable115 b can be directly or indirectly connected to the power source 125.FIG. 2 shows one example of an indirect connection to power source 125via transformer 155. As shown, the system can further include atransformer 155 for providing a direct current and a wall mounted sensor160 for activating the toilet seat system 100 without the need forphysical manipulation. The second end 119 of the second cable 115 b canconnect to the transformer 155, which, in turn, can connect to the powersource 125. It should be noted that a plurality of automated toiletsystems 110 can be operatively connected to the transformer 155. In oneembodiment, eight or more toilet seat systems 110 can be operativelyconnected to the transformer 155.

The power source 125 and transformer 155 can be located remote from thetoilet 110 to prevent water and moisture interference and/or intrusion.The power source 125 and transformer 155 are separated from the toilet110 by a physical barrier, such as a wall 165. As shown in phantom, thesecond cable 115 b passes from the power source 125 through the wall165. The interface 127 of the second connector 120 b to the firstconnector 120 a is at least partially separated from the power source125 by the wall 165. Thus, the interface 127 of the first connector 120a to the second connector 120 b can occur where it is convenientlylocated for quickly disconnecting for maintenance or rapid disconnectionin the event of an emergency, all while preventing moisture frominterfering with the power source 125.

FIG. 3 illustrates the automated toilet seat assembly 110 with the firstcable 115 a. As shown, the first connector 120 a is disconnectedcondition; that is, the first connector 120 a is detached from thesecond connector (not shown in FIG. 3). The connector 120 a can includea base 130 a, which can be sized and shaped to provide for easygripping. In one embodiment, the connector 120 a can include one or moreconductive male prongs 135 a and one or more conductive femalereceptacles 140 a. The female receptacle 140 a can be housed in aprojecting portion 145 a of the base 130 a. The male prongs 135 a andthe receptacles are electrically connected to the conductors 123 (FIG.4) within the first cable 115 a.

FIG. 4 depicts one embodiment of an interface 127 between the firstconnector 120 a and the second connector 120 b according to aspects ofthe invention. The first and second connectors 120 a, 120 b can beconfigured to substantially matingly engage each other. Accordingly, thereceptacles 140 a, 140 b are sized and shaped to substantiallycorrespond to the dimension and shape of the prongs 135 a, 135 b. Such aconstruction can ensure a snug, yet detachable interface when theconnectors 120 a, 120 b are coupled. The snug fit provides a reliableelectrical connection that prevents moisture intrusion while stillallowing the first connector 120 a and the second connector 120 b to berapidly disconnected in the event of an emergency.

In the embodiment shown, the second connector 120 b can provide one ormore conductive female receptacles 140 b for engagement with theconductive male prongs 135 a on the first connector 120 a; it can alsoprovide one or more conductive male prong 135 b for engagement with theconductive female receptacles 140 a on the first connector 120 a. Whilethe first and second connectors 120 a, 120 b are shown as disconnectedfrom each other in FIG. 4, it will readily be appreciated that theconnectors can be aligned and brought together to form an electricalconnection between the first and second cables 115 a, 115 b. The prongs135 a, 135 b and the receptacles 140 a, 140 b on each connector 120 a,120 b can be arranged in any manner.

Each of the cables 115 a, 115 b can include a reinforced seal 150 a, 150b at the junction between each cable 115 a, 115 b and the respectiveconnector 120 a, 120 b. The seals 150 a, 150 b can form a physicalbarrier around the cables 115 a, 115 b to substantially prevent moistureor other substances from penetrating to the conductors 123 within thecables 115 a, 115 b. In one embodiment, the reinforced seals 150 a, 150b can be made of rubber or plastic. The seals 150 a, 150 b can be heatsealed to the cables 115 a, 115 b and to the connectors 120 a, 120 b.Alternatively, the seals 150 a, 150 b can be attached using adhesives,or any other means suitable to form a seal.

The above described cables 115 a, 115 b can facilitate the rapidconnection and disconnection of the toilet seat assembly 110 from thepower source 125. FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded view of one toilet seatassembly that can be used in accordance with the present invention. Thesanitary toilet seat assembly includes a base member 1, a top cover 2, aseat 24 and a mounting bracket 16. As assembled, base member 1 and topcover 2 form a housing for protecting various internal components,including a motor subassembly 13 and electronic circuitry (not shown inFIG. 5). The sanitary toilet seat assembly further incorporates heatshrink wrapping 55 over the motor subassembly to prevent potentiallyharmful agents, such as cleaning chemicals, from deteriorating motorsubassembly components. An activation button 5 is exposed through anopening in the top cover 2. A standard key lock 17 is provided forlocking the top cover in place. In operation, the activation button ismanually depressed to advance the sanitary covering a sufficient lengthto provide a fresh seat covering. Alternatively, the sanitary toiletseat can be activated by the sensor, shown in FIG. 1, determining that anew user has approached without the need for the user to physicallymanipulate the activation button. A mounting bracket is provided forattaching the unit to the base of a toilet. End caps 3, extendingthrough aligned circular openings in mounting bracket 16 and base member1, allow the entire seat assembly to be rotated about an imaginary axisjoining the centers of the end caps.

Structurally, components of the sanitary seat assembly are designed toprovide improved mechanical strength. For instance, seat 24 has ribsextending completely around its underside. In particular, the ribsextend from end 24 a to end 24 b. Referring briefly to FIG. 7, a bottomview of seat end 24 b is shown. Region 50 adjacent end 24 b is generallythicker than the remainder of the seat. It is known to incorporate ribsto provide added structural support to the thinner portion of the seat.Nevertheless, known seat assemblies have included support ribs 53extending along the length of the seat terminating at the interface 51between sections 50 and 52. According to the improved structure of thepresent invention, support ribs extend through the thickened section 50.As a result, the bending strength at interface 51 has been increased.

Base member 1 preferably comprises a unitary molded plastic having anumber of integrally molded support structures. In addition, thesanitary seat assembly incorporates drain holes 57 extending through thebottom of the base member 1 to allow removal of fluids which couldpotentially accumulate in the housing and deteriorate internalcomponents. Base member 1 includes partitions 30 and 31 for supporting adispense roll shaft 54. Opposite ends of the dispense roll shaft aresupported on recesses 32 formed in partitions 30 and 31. The sanitaryseat assembly also incorporates integral stop mechanisms 33 for limitinghorizontal movement of the dispense roll shaft.

The tubular cover material fits over free seat end 24 a, which is notattached to the assembly. The cover material extends completely aroundthe seat 24, over counter shaft 4, and is ultimately rewound on atake-up shaft 37. The take-up shaft is supported at one end by springplate 11 attached to the outer surface of partition 38. The opposite endof the take-up roll mates with drive motor hub 8 which is attached to adrive shaft (not shown) extending from an end of motor 13.

Toilet seat 24 has a slot 26 formed at one end for attachment of plate34 and razor subassembly 25. Threaded studs 23 extending from attachmentplate 9 pass through openings in base member 1 and plate 34. Attachmentplates 9 and 34 are mechanically fastened to the base member. A portionof attachment plate 34 is integrally molded into slot 26 of seat 24.Razor subassembly 25, which fits into a wider section of slot 26, has anintegrally molded raised bump formed on its surface for mating with anopening in plate 34.

This feature of the improved assembly provides a means for releasablylocking the razor blade assembly in place. The razor extends at anobtuse angle in relation to the advancing covering material, and servesto slit the edge of the cover material in order to allow it to be pulledoff and wound up on the take-up shaft. Referring briefly to FIG. 5, asthe tubular cover material 40 is advanced, the edge of the tubularcovering adjacent the inside edge of the toilet seat contacts razor 35,slitting the side to allow it to pass plate 34 (not shown in FIG. 6) forreceipt on take-up shaft 37. The improved seat assembly has an integralpressure plate 41 extending downward at an angle from the inner surfaceof top cover 2. Integral pressure plate 41 serves to press advancingcover material 40 against counter shaft 4 to improve contact between thecover material and the outer surface of the counter shaft.

Referring back to FIG. 5, counter shaft 4 is supported at one end byspring plate 12 attached to the outer surface of partition 38. Theopposite end of counter shaft 4 is joined to magnet wheel 6 via counterdrive shaft element 7 extending through an opening in motor supportplate 39. Counter shaft 4 is preferably formed of a molded plastic andhas a plurality of integrally molded raised surface portions forgripping advancing cover material.

In particular, the raised surface portions improve friction between theadvancing cover material and the counter shaft surface, therebyimproving rotational precision of the counter shaft during advancementof the cover material. As previously stated, the improved seat assemblyincorporates a pressure blade integrally molded into top cover 2. In anassembled state, the pressure blade applies a downward force on theadvancing cover material to further improve contact between theadvancing cover material and the counter shaft surface.

Magnet wheel 6 has a magnet 20 attached to an outer wheel surface. Themagnet 20 faces and communicates with electronic circuitry mounted on aprinted circuit board assembly 56. The electronic circuitry of theimproved assembly precisely monitors the number of rotations of wheel 6.Rotation of wheel 6 is a direct result of rotation of counter shaft 4.Consequently, resistance in the advancement of cover material, whichaffects the rotation of shaft 4, is detected by the electroniccircuitry. In contrast to known devices, the circuitry of the presentinvention is designed to halt operation of motor 13 in instances where aspecified resistance level is encountered. Motor subassembly 13 requires12 volts dc which can be supplied via a 12 v dc converter or,alternatively, the assembly can be operated with batteries.

In contrast to prior art designs, the improved assembly of the presentinvention incorporates an activation button 5 operating independently ofinternal mechanical components, including the dispense and take up rollshafts. Consequently, activation of the assembly is not dependent uponthe mechanical integrity of other assembly components. Furthermore, thebutton 5 has an improved ergonomic design which is less prone to damageby external forces.

In a released state, the upper surface of activation button 5 liessubstantially flush with the upper surface of top cover 2 and the sidesof the button are bounded by the periphery of the opening in the topcover through which the button is exposed. As a result, activationbutton motion is limited to vertical displacement upon contact. Theactivation button 5 also has an integrally molded guide leg 42 which isreceived in an opening in push switch assembly support plate 10 toprevent rotation of activation button 5 as it is being depressed.Support plate 10 is mechanically fastened to support plate mountingstructure 19 integrally formed in base member 1. The improved structuralintegrity has resulted in an assembly having a corresponding reductionin required maintenance. Still further, the arrangements provideddiscussed herein an illustrated in FIG. 1 include a touchless sensor foractivating the seat.

In operation, activation button 5 is pushed to actuate switch assembly15, or the sensor of FIG. 2 can be used, for activating motor assembly13. A drive shaft extending from motor assembly 13 rotates hub 8 which,in turn, rotates the take-up shaft. As the take-up shaft is rotated,cover material is pulled off of the dispense shaft roll and advancedaround toilet seat 24. Advancing cover material is forced against theouter surface of counter shaft 4 by pressure blade 41, causing countershaft 4 to rotate. Rotation of the counter shaft 4 effects correspondingrotation of magnet 20 on magnet wheel 6. At seat end 24 b, the leftinside-facing edge of the cover is slit by razor assembly 26 in order toallow it to be wound up on take-up shaft 37. The amount of materialadvanced is determined by rotation of counter shaft 4. Specifically,rotations are computed by electronic circuitry (not shown) which tracksthe rotation of magnet 20 on magnet wheel 6. Where specified resistancelimits are exceeded, the electronic circuitry communicates with motorassembly 13 to halt operation of the motor.

Having described various components of a system according to aspects ofthe invention, one manner in which the system can be used will now bedescribed. In particular, a method of providing maintenance to anautomated sanitary toilet seat system is described with reference to theflow chart of FIG. 9. It will be understood that aspects of theinvention are not limited to the disclosed method 200. Further, thedescribed steps are not limited to being performed in the orderpresented and not every step recited need occur.

In step 210, a powered sanitary toilet seat assembly with an electricalcable coupled to the toilet seat assembly and having a first connectordetachably coupled to a second connector can be provided. Although themethod includes providing a powered sanitary toilet seat, it should benoted that the method 200 is not limited to any particular poweredsanitary toilet device and can be used with a wide range of poweredsanitary toilet systems, such a motorized sanitary toilets.

In step 220, the first connector can be decoupled from the secondconnector. As a result, the powered sanitary toilet seat is disconnectedfrom its power source. With the powered sanitary toilet seat isunplugged, step 230 can include the removal of the sanitary toilet seatto a geographically remote location, such as a workshop, factory and thelike. Additionally, a replacement sanitary toilet seat can be providedin step 240 so that a user can continue to have a functioning poweredsanitary toilet seat while the other toilet seat undergoes maintenance.

In step 250, maintenance can be performed on the sanitary toilet seat.It should be noted that, in many instances, there will be no need toremove the sanitary toilet seat to a geographically remote location andthat maintenance can be performed on site. Maintenance can includeupkeep, repair, replacement and cleaning of the sanitary toilet seat.

While the preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustratedand described, it will be clear that the invention is not so limited.Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions andequivalents will occur to those skilled in the art without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the present invention as described in thefollowing claims.

1. A method of providing maintenance to an automated sanitary toilet seat assembly, comprising the steps of: providing a powered sanitary toilet seat assembly with an electrical cable coupled to the toilet seat assembly and having a first connector detachable coupled with a second connector; decoupling the first connector from the second connector; providing maintenance to the sanitary toilet seat.
 2. The method as recited in claim 1, further including the step of removing the sanitary toilet seat to a geographically remote location for providing maintenance.
 3. The method as recited in claim 1, further including the step of providing a replacement sanitary toilet seat during maintenance. 